Protecting shield ·  Australie - Terre d´Arnhem · ID: 3038915

Description

wood, matt patina, red and white pigment, decorated with incised ornaments, accentuated by coloured pigments rubbed into the deepenings, handle on the backside, min. dam., small missing parts, slight traces of abrasion;
such shields served as defensive arms to intercept boomerangs and to parry blows from clubs during close combat. They are said to have been important trade items with other aboriginal groups as well.